Meet Turbo – Garner Police Department K-9 unit

GARNER – The newest addition to the Garner Police Department is Turbo – the first K-9 unit to join the department.

Turbo is a one-year-old Belgian Malinois from Holland. The breed is used for police, security, and military work.

Obtaining him was an unexpected opportunity for Garner police.

Turbo was originally destined for another police department. When that didn’t work out, the dog was made available to Hancock County Deputy Sheriff Andy Klein, a certified trainer. Klein, in turn, notified Police Chief Tim Dodge of the opportunity to obtain Turbo.

“In a matter of a few weeks, it all came together,” Chief Dodge said.

The police department purchased Turbo for $6,000.

“Through partnerships with [the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office], we are able to continue the training. We will be pursuing some grant funding as well as local support to create a canine budget.”

Chief Dodge will be Turbo’s handler. Dodge is working with Deputy Klein to continue training Turbo.

“I’m going through as much training as the dog,” Dodge remarked.

Turbo is a dual-purpose police dog. He will do tracking, drug detection, article detection, and handler protection.

Turbo can also be an asset to the department from a public relations perspective.

“We are looking to get more involved with the school,” Dodge said. “The dog can be another option for us from a working sense and from a public relations standpoint, as well.”